As the temperatures begin to dip, there’s nothing better than watching the rain through the window of a nice cozy eatery and Coquitlam’s Eagle Ridge Plaza is home to some terrific hidden gems. Located near the start of the Coquitlam Crunch hiking trail, and across from Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool, these spots are convenient, friendly and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed sit-down experience or planning to curl up at home with a great take-out meal, Eagle Ridge Plaza has a fix for whatever you’re craving.
Woking Dragon
Woking Dragon has been a Coquitlam staple for over a decade and was started by a family that has provided Chinese food to the Lower Mainland for more than forty years. The restaurant rebranded in the summer of 2018, with a cool new logo, but made sure to keep the delicious favourites that customers know and love, like the ginger beef strips and spicy salt prawns. Part of the rebrand included defining Woking Dragon as a modern chop suey house, proudly elevating the term ‘chop suey’ to reflect their dedication to cooking with high-quality ingredients.
The warm lighting provides a welcoming ambience, whether dining in the restaurant or grabbing a quick bite from the bar. The menu also includes an array of take-out combos, for those nights when you’re just not in the mood to cook.
Kaiko Japanese
Kaiko means “sea happiness” in Japanese, and this lovely sushi restaurant certainly offers a happy seafood experience. The thoughtful menu reflects the owner’s 20-year commitment to the art of sushi making, and is full of unique dishes, like scallop carpaccio, that you won’t easily find anywhere else.
Kaiko is careful not to let the ocean flavours be stifled by heavy batter or overpowering sauces. Everything is natural—no artificial additives here—and many items are homemade, including the smoked salmon, the gyoza and the ponzu.
Each dish is also beautifully presented, with the food arranged like a work of art on the plate. And with only a handful of tables, each customer can expect attentive service. Kaiko opened in August 2019 and is an ideal dining option for either lunch or dinner. No matter when you visit, you’re sure to leave smiling.
Chicko Chicken
Another new addition to Eagle Ridge Plaza is Chicko Chicken, who are redefining the meaning of KFC (Korean Fried Chicken). The chicken is cooked to order and takes about twenty minutes. While you wait (and the wait is worth it), grab a seat and enjoy some K-pop. If you’re tight on time, you can order in advance.
Wonderfully crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside and remarkably not greasy, the secret of Chicko Chicken’s chicken is in the preparation. The batter is made from a signature blend of spices and the chicken stays juicy thanks to a special marinade process. The oil is also 100% canola, with no chemicals or fry powder used to extend its life—they put as much care into their oil as they do their chicken!
The flavours range from the traditional original, Yangyeom (seasoned or spicy) and soy garlic, to the popular fusion flavour “Cheese Snow”. There’s also the option to have it boneless or bone-in. Boneless tends to be crunchier and more “popcorn-like,” though the bone-in chicken has a richer flavour. Either way, the portion sizes are generous, so it’s a perfect snack for sharing!
Wonderland Frozen Yogurt
After chowing down on all the tasty dining offerings around Eagle Ridge Plaza, head over to Wonderland Frozen Yogurt for dessert. This lively spot opened in July 2019 and has a fun atmosphere, complete with a giant bear.
Wonderland specializes in fried yogurt. Yes, you read that correctly… fried! The yogurt—a healthier option than traditional ice cream—is quickly cooled on a freezing plate that’s sometimes as cold as -20 degrees Celsius. “Frying” the yogurt this way gives it a texture that’s incredibly smooth.
The yogurt is then rolled up like a mini carpet and topped with options that can include nuts, berries, candies and more. The most popular flavours are mango, blackberry and Oreo, and we highly recommend trying The Matcha Princess.
Hungry for more? Check out these other mouthwatering options…
Eatwell Vietnam Noodle Soup – This understated restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine, including almost every kind of beef noodle soup imaginable. The dishes are prepared family-style but they also offer small bowls and mini-sized meals for single appetites. (Note: Eatwell is cash only.)
The Sultan’s Delicious Donair – Everything you need to know about this place is in its name! Be prepared to make plenty of decisions when you walk in since you’ll be awash in options. From a vast selection of meats, sizes, toppings and sauces, your customized donair will inevitably be a pita package of deliciousness.
Vesuvio Pizzeria – If you’re looking for pizza, Vesuvio is the place to go. This family-run spot makes everything from scratch and their thin-crust pizzas are fully loaded, with magnificently crispy crusts. The standard pizza size is medium, but it’s also available in large or as single slices. Two favourites are the Mamamia (similar to a “deluxe”) and the Carne, certain to satisfy any meat lover.
Eagleridge Plaza is located on the SouthWest corner Guildford Way and Landsdowne Drive in Coquitlam.
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